National

Bilaspur, Nov 15: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi accused Raman Singh-led Chhattisgarh government of covering up the facts that led to the deaths of 13 women and left more than 50 women in a critical condition in the sterilization drive at a government camp.

"It is not just a case of negligence; there is also a role of corruption and expired medicines. It is the responsibility of the state government but they are trying to cover up facts", said Rahul at a press conference here, where he met the relatives of the victims.

Expressing his anguish over the incident, he held responsible the state government and the administration for this. "It is the responsibility of the state government and the Health Minister, but they are not accepting it," he added.

The international media also highlighted the incident in which 13 women died after family planning surgery at the government camps in Pendari village of Bilaspur district. More than 50 women were admitted to various hospitals following their condition deteriorated due to the surgery at the camp.

The incident sparked widespread agitation for the target based sterilization drive. The state government has ordered a probe into the incident, announcing a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the kins of the victims.

Meanwhile, the doctor, who had conducted the surgery, has been arrested in this connection. More arrests are likely in the upcoming days.